How to Get a CAGE Code: Step-by-Step SAM.gov Registration Guide

What Is a CAGE Code and Why You Need One

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character identifier assigned to every business that works with the U.S. federal government. Without one, your company cannot bid on defense contracts, register in procurement systems, or receive payment from government agencies. If you are new to the term, start with our full explainer on what CAGE codes are and how to find one. This guide covers the next step: how to actually get a CAGE code assigned to your business.

The good news is that you never apply for a CAGE code directly. It is assigned automatically by the DLA CAGE Program Office when you complete your entity registration in SAM.gov. The registration itself is free, and the process is straightforward if you prepare the right information before you start.

Before You Start: What You Will Need

Gather the following before beginning your SAM.gov registration. Incomplete or mismatched information is the number one cause of validation delays:

• Legal business name and physical address. These must match your state incorporation records and IRS documentation exactly. A P.O. Box cannot be used as your physical address.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN or EIN). The IRS record tied to this number must match your legal business name.
• Banking information. Routing and account numbers for Electronic Funds Transfer, which is how the government pays you.
• Details about your business structure. Entity type, date of incorporation, state of incorporation, and NAICS codes describing what your business sells or services.

Step 1: Create a SAM.gov Account

Go to SAM.gov and create an account using Login.gov credentials. Login.gov handles identity verification for all federal systems, so you will need a working email address and a phone number capable of receiving verification codes.

Step 2: Get Your Unique Entity ID (UEI)

The Unique Entity ID replaced the DUNS number in 2022 as the government's primary business identifier. You obtain your UEI during the SAM.gov registration process at no cost. The system validates your legal business name and physical address against independent records, so double-check that both match your incorporation documents before submitting.

Step 3: Complete Your Entity Registration

With your UEI validated, complete the full entity registration. This includes your TIN validation with the IRS, banking details for payment, NAICS code selection, and required certifications called Representations and Certifications. Answer these carefully. They are legally binding statements about your business size, ownership, and eligibility.

Step 4: Your CAGE Code Is Assigned Automatically

Once your SAM.gov registration passes validation, the DLA CAGE Program Office assigns your CAGE code automatically. No separate application is required for U.S. companies. Your code appears in your SAM.gov entity record, typically within a few business days of registration approval.

NCAGE Codes for International Suppliers

Companies located outside the United States follow a different path. Foreign entities must obtain an NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) code before registering in SAM.gov. NCAGE codes are issued through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) codification portal, and each NATO member country manages requests through its own national codification bureau. Once your NCAGE code is issued, you can complete SAM.gov registration using that code in place of a domestic CAGE assignment.

How Long Does It Take?

Most registrations complete within two to four weeks. The most common delays are entity validation mismatches, where your submitted business name or address does not exactly match independent records, and TIN validation failures with the IRS. If your registration stalls, check your SAM.gov workspace for incident tickets and respond with the exact documentation requested.

After You Get Your CAGE Code

Your CAGE code unlocks the systems used across the defense supply chain. You can register in DLA's DIBBS bidding platform, appear as a source in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), and be identified as an approved supplier for NSN-coded items. If you manufacture or distribute parts, your CAGE code is how buyers verify you as a legitimate source within each Federal Supply Classification group.

Keep Your Registration Active

SAM.gov registrations expire every 12 months. An expired registration deactivates your CAGE code, which immediately blocks new contract awards and payments. Set a renewal reminder at least 60 days before your expiration date, since renewals go through the same validation process as new registrations.

Work With a Registered Defense Supplier

NSN Parts is a CAGE-coded supplier serving defense, aerospace, and government procurement programs across every major industry we support. Whether you are a new contractor building your supply base or an established prime sourcing hard-to-find components, our team provides verified, traceable parts with full documentation. Contact us or search our inventory at nsn-parts.com.